Cognitive training protects against the development of dementia

It seems to many that the fading of the mind after sixty—five years is an inevitability that cannot be combated without serious medications. New data proves the opposite: our intelligence can be trained in the same way as muscles in the gym. The participants in the experiment, who completed a short training course in the late nineties, demonstrated amazing mental resilience twenty years later.

The essence of the technique was to develop the speed of visual information processing. The person had to instantly find objects on the computer screen and cope with tasks that were constantly becoming more complicated. Such a load forces the brain to work at the limit of its current capabilities, adapting to the personal pace of each user. Unlike simply memorizing facts, this method builds deep skills at the level of subconscious habits.

Among those who completed the full cycle of classes and attended additional sessions after one and three years, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease decreased by a quarter. This is the only type of intellectual load of all tested, which has shown such a significant and long-term result. Unfortunately, regular exercises on logic or memory did not provide such powerful protection in the long run.

The secret of success lies in the adaptability of the program. If the participant coped quickly, the system immediately threw up a more difficult task, preventing the mind from relaxing. The process trains the ability to quickly switch attention and process multiple data streams simultaneously. Such skills have proven to be crucial for maintaining neural connections in working order throughout life.

The authors of the article note that even a small delay in the appearance of cognitive problems is of great importance for society. This is not only extra years of a full and independent life for a person, but also a huge help to the healthcare system. A simple and accessible workout can be the first step in prevention, which is accessible to almost everyone.

Of course, doctors advise not to forget about other factors: blood pressure control, blood sugar and physical activity. But it is the work on the speed of visual reactions that is now seen as a powerful tool that can keep the mind sharp until the very advanced years.